Susan Jacobson

Susan Kay Jacobson, 81, of Bismarck, ND passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026 at CHI Hospital in Bismarck, ND surrounded by her family.

Susan was born August 20, 1944, in Huron, SD to Donald Lee Voorhees and Helen Lucille (Curtis) Voorhees of Hitchcock, SD. She was the second daughter of seven siblings: Gerry, Judy, Linda, Ruth, Donna and Donnie. She attended grades K-12 in Hitchcock graduating in 1962. She started working at a young age - cleaning houses for family and friends, working at her Aunt Leota’s café and at the local drug store soda fountain.

After graduation, she attended Stewarts School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen, SD, and her sister remembers many perms and haircuts in her mother’s kitchen while she was doing her training. She married her high school sweetheart, Ron Jacobson, on November 22, 1963. They were blessed with three daughters: Jacqueline Jane, Janel Joan and Jennifer Jo.

After their marriage, they lived in Huron, Onida, Pollock, Gregory, Selby and Mobridge. In each of these locations, she had a passionate career of fixing hair, soon opening her own place called “Suzie’s Salon”. She was a hairdresser for 30 years and always had a large clientele of customers and was well known for her hairdressing skills.

During the 1980’s, Susan and Ron owned the Pollock Café, and she made her mark remodeling the café and cooking breakfast every morning for the early morning coffee “cronies”. She developed a special menu for every Sunday noon meal which included her famous taco salad.

In 1995, she moved to Aberdeen and held various jobs. Susan was a go-getter, always full of pep and energy. She was a hard worker and excelled at any job she worked. She won many awards and accolades for her hair dressing skills and was a natural salesperson. Her name is on a plaque in Herberger’s for top salesperson in credit cards. During her time in Aberdeen, she had many treasured moments with her sister Judy, especially doing their favorite passion – shopping.

Susan loved people and entertaining which was reflected in her ability to organize groups such as Stonebridge Bible Coffee, Birthday Club, Anniversary Club and many bridge groups. She loved playing cards and played to win, no matter the age of her competitor! Her favorite games were Bridge, Gin, Pinochle and Rummikub. She had a natural green thumb, always having beautiful house plants and planting flowers outdoors.

She had a natural talent for fashion, both in how she dressed and how she decorated her home. Her hair was always in style, and she was not afraid to try the newest clothing trends. Her nails were always beautifully painted, many times last minute in the car while traveling much to the dislike of her three daughters!

Music was important to Susan, which she enjoyed playing so loudly that it annoyed her teenage daughters. She especially loved Elvis Presly and truly mourned the day he died in 1977. Other favorite songs included “Islands in the Stream”, “Unchained Melody”, “What a Difference You Made in My Life”, “I Will Always Love You” and “You Were Always on My Mind”. Susan collected music boxes and one of her prized possessions was her wooden Elvis Presly music box. She was surprised with an Elvis themed 80th birthday party that included an Elvis impersonator. Susan also had a beautiful voice and sang in the choir and on many special occasions.

In 2012, she moved to Rapid City, SD, and enjoyed her life in the Black Hills. One of her joys was spending time at Canyon Lake Senior Center playing bridge, where she was often the reigning champ. She enjoyed special time with her sister Linda while living there, and they loved their pie and coffee time together. She briefly moved back to Aberdeen before entering the Good Samaritan Home in Herreid. Susan enjoyed her time at Good Sam and being closer to her daughters. Special times there included her family bringing pizza and ice cream for the residents and playing cards and games when her family visited.

In 2021, Susan broke her ankle and never regained the ability to walk again. She entered Baptist Health in Bismarck, ND in 2022, and spent quality time there as her Parkinson’s illness continued to progress. She especially enjoyed all her time with her granddaughter Amanda, who took excellent care of her and was a frequent visitor.

Susan was a “daddy’s girl”, and in her final wishes, she wanted her ashes to be buried beside her father at the Hill City Cemetery. Her family is planning a private family service in Hill City, SD for the summer. Condolences may be sent to Jackie Peterson, 9196 Highway 83, Strasburg, ND 58573.

Susan is survived by her three daughters: Jackie (Nick) Peterson, Janel (Cody) Vander Wal and Jennifer Schock. Twelve grandchildren: Amanda Peterson (Devin), Nicole Thorson (Matt), Dani Kelley (Cody), Nicholas Peterson (Quinn) & Charli Peterson (Wyatt); Jared Vander Wal (Danlyn), Collin Vander Wal (Sammy) & Travis Vander Wal; Mackenzie Schock (Steven), Morgan Schock, Landon Schock & Kennedy Schock. Twelve great-grandchildren: Cayden (Amanda); Ronnie, Andi & LJ (Nicole); Teagen, Maddox & Cooper (Jared); Vada, Macy & Tate (Collin); Emery & Boone (Mackenzie). Three siblings: Linda (Pete) Stach, Ruth (Gary) Felderman & Don (Dana) Voorhees; one brother-in-law, Dwain Buntrock and many nieces and nephews.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Gerry Richardson, Judy Buntrock and Donna Shelley; and her brothers-in-law Howard Richardson and Loren Person.

Susan’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care that she received the last two weeks of her life at CHI St. Alexius Hospital and the four years at Baptist Health Center, both in Bismarck, ND. They truly made a difference in her quality of life.